When this CD first started spinning in my player I thought there had been some mistake. I was expecting to hear La Maschera di Cera, the new project by Finisterre’s Fabio Zuffanti; this, however, was clearly some long-lost Italian classic. In fact, the mistake was mine: I simply was not prepared for how completely La Maschera di Cera would resurrect that 70s Italian sound. Even the instrumentation reflects the era. Keyboardist Agostino Macor only plays period instruments like Mellotron, piano, organ, Moog, and the old VCS3 synth. With a gruff yet passionate voice, singer Alessandro Corvaglia is no less evocative of the vocals found in classic Italian prog. The same is true for Andrea Monetti (flute), Marco Cavani (drums, percussion), and Zuffanti himself (bass, acoustic guitar) — all play in a thoroughly convincing retro style. There are four tracks on this LP-length album. The sidelong piece that shares the album’s name is perhaps the most impressive, but all are excellent. Loaded with classic keyboard sounds, powerful and passionate vocals, and lots of flute and acoustic guitar, the whole CD exemplifies the same combination of romantic melodicism and driving energy that made 70s Italian symphonic so great. Stylistically, I’m most reminded of Biglietto per l’Inferno, Museo Rosenbach, and Metamorfosi. Some may argue that this album is backwards-looking and stuck in the past — but, when that past itself is so good — and when a band does such an outstanding job of bringing it to life again — why complain? My highest recommendation!

Latest news

2020-05-15Phil May of The Pretty Things RIP –
We were saddened to learn that Phil May, lead singer and founding member of The Pretty Things, has died at the age of 75. The band's 1968 album S.F. Sorrow is one of the enduring classics of the psychedelic era, and the group existed in various forms until finally retiring in 2018. »
Read more

2020-05-14Jorge Santana RIP –
Jorge Santana, noted guitarist, leader of the band Malo and brother to Carlos Santan, died on May 14 at the age of 68. Jorge and Carlos worked together on a number of occasions, though Jorge's career was centered around Malo, solo work, and with Fania All-Stars. »
Read more

2020-05-06Florian Schneider RIP –
Florian Schneider, one of the founders of the pioneering electronic group Kraftwerk, has died at the age of 73. Co-founder Ralf Hütter announced that his bandmate had passed away from cancer after a brief illness. »
Read more

2020-04-23Shindig Festival Goes Lock-Down –
Here's what they're saying: It's A Happening Thing! The Shindig! Magazine Lockdown Festival. In our days of no large gatherings of people, maybe it's still possible to have a music festival. Shindig! Magazine is giving it a go with a multi-artist streaming extravaganza on Saturday April 25. »
Read more

2020-03-24Bill Rieflin RIP –
The sad news reaches us today of Bill Rieflin's death. Rieflin was best known as a drummer in bands ranging from post-punk to industrial to indie-rock to progressive rock, including work with The Blackouts, Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, Swans, Land, and King Crimson. Rieflin had been battling cancer for several years, and succumbed to it on March 24. He was 59. »
Read more